Portland City Code 30.01.087 caps total security deposits and last-month rent collected at move-in. Under Oregon ORS 90.300, deposits must be returned (with itemized deductions) within 31 days of the tenant vacating. Pet deposits are limited and service/assistance animals may not be charged a deposit.
Under PCC 30.01.087 (FAIR Ordinance security deposit limits, 2019), the combined total of security deposits collected at move-in may not exceed an amount equal to one and one-half (1.5) months' rent. Last-month rent paid in advance is permitted but must be itemized separately. ORS 90.300 (state) requires the landlord to provide a written deposit accounting and refund within 31 days of the tenant returning possession; failure to do so allows the tenant to recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damages beyond ordinary wear and tear, and other charges authorized by the rental agreement. Pet deposits are limited; service animals and assistance animals are not 'pets' and cannot be charged a deposit (ORS 659A.143 and the federal Fair Housing Act). Portland's FAIR rules also require landlords to allow payment of the security deposit in installments over three months when requested by a low-income or voucher-holding applicant.
Landlord owes twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees (ORS 90.300(16)). Portland FAIR Ordinance penalties also apply; tenant may file with Portland Housing Bureau or sue in Small Claims (up to $10,000) or Circuit Court.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must remain...
Portland, OR
Portland has no specific city ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay on the property and not...
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety and nuisance standards apply. Historic Conserv...
Portland, OR
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Portland require Bureau of Development Services permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Portland, OR
Residential outdoor smokers (offset, pellet, kamado, vertical) are legal in Portland under the cooking-fire exemption to PCC 31.16, but persistent smoke that...
Portland, OR
Portland adopts the Oregon Fire Code (2022 edition based on IFC 2021) through PCC 31.16. Under IFC §308.1.4, propane (LPG) and charcoal grills are prohibited...
See how Portland's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.